“It’s going to be cool — we’re good pals with Billy Talent, so we’re excited to fly out to Edmonton to play with them,” Alexisonfire guitarist Dallas Green told Metro. “There’s something about playing for a ton of people who have been standing outside going nuts listening to music all day — it’s a completely different animal than your own show.”

MC Jason Mewes (of Jay and Silent Bob fame) will narrate the day’s events, which include local amateur wrestling and band meet-and-greets.

Johnston says though the weather is expected to cooperate, ticket holders should view the festival’s website (sonicboomfestival.ca) to check which weather-ready items to bring.

The event is expected to go annual, Johnston said, as overwhelming anticipation chatter from both invited bands and frenzied fans has foreshadowed its future.

“Summer is the time to get out and enjoy festivals,” Green said. “People better be ready to run around and have as much fun as we’re having on stage.”

Tickets (including late released VIPs) are still available through the festival’s website.